Language phoneme practice engine

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language phoneme practice systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language phoneme practice engine, wherein said engine comprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a software module for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme in said taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual representation and an auditory representation of each said phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and an auditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in each said word.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/301,668 filed Nov. 21, 2011, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interest in and support for language study has strengthened in recentyears due to the growing recognition that proficiency in more than onelanguage benefits both individual learners and society. For theindividual language learner, research has found a positive link betweensecond language proficiency and cognitive and academic ability. Inaddition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with peoplefrom other countries and backgrounds, individual benefits includeimproved overall school performance, superior problem-solving skills,and enhanced creativity and cognitive flexibility. Bamford, K. W., etal. (1991). Additive-bilingual (immersion) education: Cognitive andlanguage development. Language Learning, 41:413-429; Hakuta, K. (1986).Mirror of language. New York: Basic Books.

From a societal perspective, a multilingual workforce enhances economiccompetitiveness and promotes tolerance and intercultural awareness.Americans fluent in other languages improve global communication andenhance U.S. economic competitiveness abroad. Center for AppliedLinguistics (2004): Why, How, and When Should My Child Learn a Second,available at http://www.cal.org/resources/pubs/whyhowwhen_brochure.pdf.As a result, students of foreign languages often have better careeropportunities. This is especially true for those learning English as anadditional or foreign language. While English is the third most nativelyspoken language in the world, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish,English has become the leading language of international discourse,including business and scientific discourse, and has acquired use aslingua franca in many regions. Crystal, D. (1997). English as a GlobalLanguage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; Wardhaugh, R. (2006).An introduction to sociolinguistics. Wiley-Blackwell.

Most English language learners view pronunciation as an important partof learning to speak. However, non-native-like pronunciation is a majorchallenge for many. Despite the recognized importance of pronunciation,most language courses emphasize general oral communication overpronunciation and teachers often remain uncertain about how toincorporate pronunciation into curriculum. Levis, J., et al. (2003).Integrating Pronunciation into ESL/EFL Classrooms. TESOL Journal,12(2):13-19.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Phonemes are the abstract units of a language that correspond to a setof similar speech sounds which are perceived to be a single distinctivesound in the language. Awareness of the phonemes of a new language,their sounds, and their use in constructing and deconstructing words arethe base skills required for learning first (e.g., native) andadditional (e.g., second, additional, or foreign) languages. Therefore,an effective language immersion teaching environment should introducethe phonemes of a target language and offer an organization, such as ataxonomy, to help learners access, navigate, and remember the phonemes.Moreover, an effective language immersion teaching environment shouldprovide a phoneme practice engine that allows learners to practiceseeing, hearing, and pronouncing each phoneme and each said phoneme inthe context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of the targetlanguage.

Technology is an increasingly influential factor in education and offersnew opportunities to create powerful learning tools. Multimediatechnology provides new ways to engage learners, such as through thecreation of an interactive language immersion teaching environment. Insuch an environment, learners can see visual representations and hearauditory representations of the phonemes of a target language.Multimedia technology also provides new ways to model phonemes, phonemesin the context of words, vocabulary, sentence structures, and commonconversational patterns as well as new ways to facilitate learnerpractice and evaluation. Despite these potentials, currentcomputer-based environments do not provide adequate focus on thephonemes of a target language. Specifically, they do not offerfull-featured, educationally sound interfaces for practicing phonemesand phonemes in the context of words.

Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based languagephoneme practice systems comprising: a digital processing device that isoptionally connected to a computer network, wherein said processingdevice comprises an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions; and a computer program, provided to said digitalprocessing device, including executable instructions that create alanguage phoneme practice engine, wherein said engine comprises: ataxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a software module forproviding an interface for practicing each said phoneme in saidtaxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access avisual representation and an auditory representation of each saidphoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing aninterface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of thebeginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, whereinsaid interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and anauditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in eachsaid word. In some embodiments, the taxonomy of phonemes includes one ormore phonemes represented by a single letter and phonemes represented byone or more combinations of letters. In some embodiments, the taxonomyof phonemes includes one or more phonemes represented by an image. Insome embodiments, the taxonomy is comprehensive and comprises all soundsin said target language. In other embodiments, the taxonomy is partialand comprises some of the sounds in said target language. In someembodiments, the module for providing an interface for practicing eachsaid phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of wordsidentifies a selected phoneme in each word. In some embodiments, thevisual representation of each said word comprises a photographic imageor an illustration. In some embodiments, the system further comprises asoftware module for recording said learner's pronunciation of saidphonemes and said words and comparing it to one or more modelpronunciations of said phonemes and said words. In further embodiments,the software module for recording said learner's pronunciation andcomparing it to one or more model pronunciations is configured toprovide visual feedback in the form of waveform analysis or apronunciation score. In some embodiments, the system further comprises asoftware module for providing translation of audio voiceover and/or textfrom said target language to a specified language, wherein saidtranslation is both written and voiced. In further embodiments, thesoftware module for providing translation is configurable to optionallytranslate one or more of: all voiceover and/or text, voiceover and/ortext associated with learning content, voiceover and/or text associatedwith instructions, voiceover and/or text associated with navigation, andno voiceover and/or text. In further embodiments, the software modulefor providing translation of voiceover and/or text maintains a list ofrecent voiceovers and/or text, wherein said list provides access to bothwritten and voiced translation of each said recent voiceover and/ortext. In some embodiments, the software module for providing translationof voiceover and/or text is regulated by a mentor, wherein said mentordetermines the types of voiceover and/or text translated. In someembodiments, the software module for providing translation of voiceoverand/or text is regulated by a learner, wherein said learner determinesthe types of voiceover and/or text translated. In some embodiments, thephoneme practice system is a component of a larger language immersionteaching system. In further embodiments, the language immersion teachingsystem comprises a plurality of learning activities organized accordingto an instructional plan, wherein said instructional plan comprises aprogression of educational objectives including teaching phoneme sounds,phoneme sounds in the context of the beginning, middle, and end ofwords, word families, vocabulary in the context of environments orthemes, sentence structures, and common conversational patterns. In someembodiments, the target language is one or more of: English, Spanish,Italian, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Polish, German, Russian, Ukrainian,Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Urdu, Arabic,Turkish, Tamil, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese,Malay, Telugu, Javanese, and Tagalog. In further embodiments, the targetlanguage is English.

Also disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer readablemedia encoded with a computer program including instructions executableby the operating system of a digital processing device, wherein saidinstructions create a language phoneme practice engine, wherein saidengine comprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; asoftware module for providing an interface for practicing each saidphoneme in said taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner tooptionally access a visual representation and an auditory representationof each said phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module forproviding an interface for practicing each said phoneme in the contextof the beginning, middle, and end of words of said target language,wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visualand an auditory representation of each said word and each said phonemein each said word. In some embodiments, the target language is one ormore of: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Polish,German, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi,Bengali, Marathi, Urdu, Arabic, Turkish, Tamil, Farsi, Japanese, Korean,Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay, Telugu, Javanese, and Tagalog. Infurther embodiments, the target language is English.

Also disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-implementedlanguage phoneme practice methods comprising the step of providingexecutable instructions to a digital processing device comprising anoperating system configured to perform executable instructions, tocreate a language phoneme practice engine, wherein said enginecomprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a softwaremodule for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme insaid taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionallyaccess a visual representation and an auditory representation of eachsaid phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing aninterface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of thebeginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, whereinsaid interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and anauditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in eachsaid word. In some embodiments, the target language is one or more of:English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Polish, German,Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali,Marathi, Urdu, Arabic, Turkish, Tamil, Farsi, Japanese, Korean,Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay, Telugu, Javanese, and Tagalog. Infurther embodiments, the target language is English.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for providingan interface for practicing the phonemes of a target language; in thiscase, an interface for practicing all of the phonemes in a taxonomy ofphonemes by accessing a visual representation and an auditoryrepresentation of each phoneme.

FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for providingan interface for practicing phonemes in the context of the beginning ofwords in target language; in this case, an interface for practicingphonemes by accessing a visual representation and an auditoryrepresentation of each word and each phoneme in each word.

FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for providingan interface for practicing phonemes in the context of the middle ofwords in target language; in this case, an interface for practicingphonemes by accessing a visual representation and an auditoryrepresentation of each word and each phoneme in each word.

FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for providingan interface for practicing phonemes in the context of the end of wordsin target language; in this case, an interface for practicing phonemesby accessing a visual representation and an auditory representation ofeach word and each phoneme in each word.

FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for recording alearner's pronunciation of phonemes and words; in this case, a softwaremodule allowing a learner to compare their pronunciations to modelpronunciations of phonemes and words.

FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for translationof voiceover; in this case, a software module for written and voicedtranslation of English voiceover in a learning activity to MandarinChinese.

FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for translationof voiceover; in this case, a software module for written and voicedtranslation of voiceover, which includes full-length translationsrevealed by interacting with an icon or a truncated translation.

FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting example of a software module for translationof voiceover; in this case, a software module for written and voicedtranslation of voiceover, which maintains a running list of recentvoiceovers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Existing language practice systems fail to clearly organize or classifythe phonemes of a target language and fail to offer effective practiceenvironments that allow language learners to see, hear, and pronouncephonemes. As a result, language learners often develop poorpronunciation of the phonemes and words of their target language. Thus,a primary objective of the systems, products, programs, and methods forpracticing language phonemes described herein is to help languagelearners develop native-like pronunciations of the phonemes, words,sentence structures, and conversational patterns of a target language.Another objective of the systems, products, programs, and methodsdisclosed herein is to provide a taxonomy of phonemes of a targetlanguage that is effective to help learners access, navigate, andremember the phonemes. Yet another objective of the systems, products,programs, and methods disclosed herein is to provide an interface forpracticing each phoneme in the taxonomy that includes a visualrepresentation and an auditory representation of each phoneme. Yetanother objective of the systems, products, programs, and methodsdisclosed herein is to provide an interface for practicing each phonemein the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of a targetlanguage that includes a visual representation and an auditoryrepresentation of each word and each phoneme in each word.

Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are computer-based languagephoneme practice systems comprising: a digital processing device that isoptionally connected to a computer network, wherein said processingdevice comprises an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions; and a computer program, provided to said digitalprocessing device, including executable instructions that create alanguage phoneme practice engine, wherein said engine comprises: ataxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a software module forproviding an interface for practicing each said phoneme in saidtaxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access avisual representation and an auditory representation of each saidphoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing aninterface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of thebeginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, whereinsaid interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and anauditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in eachsaid word.

Also disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are computer readablemedia encoded with a computer program including instructions executableby the operating system of a digital processing device, wherein saidinstructions create a language phoneme practice engine, wherein saidengine comprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; asoftware module for providing an interface for practicing each saidphoneme in said taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner tooptionally access a visual representation and an auditory representationof each said phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module forproviding an interface for practicing each said phoneme in the contextof the beginning, middle, and end of words of said target language,wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visualand an auditory representation of each said word and each said phonemein each said word.

Also disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are computer-implementedlanguage phoneme practice methods comprising the step of providingexecutable instructions to a digital processing device comprising anoperating system configured to perform executable instructions, tocreate a language phoneme practice engine, wherein said enginecomprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a softwaremodule for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme insaid taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionallyaccess a visual representation and an auditory representation of eachsaid phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing aninterface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of thebeginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, whereinsaid interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and anauditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in eachsaid word.

Various Definitions

The term “learner,” as used herein, refers to a person who interactswith an educational system for the purpose of gaining knowledge,insight, or understanding of one or more target languages or by virtueof having been allowed, asked, or assigned to interact with aneducational system.

The term “mentor,” as used herein, refers to a person who has aninterest in, or responsibility for, facilitating or furthering theeducational development of a learner and includes, by way ofnon-limiting examples, a parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, fosterparent, grandparent, guardian, relative, friend, guide, employer, tutor,instructor, teacher, or professor, of a learner.

As used herein, “target language” means a native, first, second,additional, or foreign language that a learner desires to learn or hasbeen allowed, asked, or assigned to learn for any reason.

As used herein, “immersion” is a method of teaching a target language inwhich the target language is optionally used for instruction,correction, encouragement, and/or navigation as well as for the contentof subject material. Immersion uses the target language as a teachingtool, optionally and variably surrounding or “immersing” learners in thetarget language.

As used herein, “taxonomy” means a particular classification ororganization of a plurality of elements. Taxonomies may arrange elementsinto groups and may arrange elements or groups in a hierarchicalstructure (e.g., groups and subgroups). Taxonomies may be comprehensive,classifying all elements within the subject matter, or may be partial,only classifying a portion of the elements within the subject matter.

As used herein, “phoneme” means any of the abstract units of a languagethat correspond to a set of similar speech sounds which are perceived tobe a single distinctive sound in the language.

As used herein, “practice” means a learning method based on repetitionof rehearsal or actual engagement in a behavior for the purpose ofaccomplishing one or more specific educational objectives or to maintainpreviously acquired skills. Practice may involve presenting a learnerwith multiple opportunities to see, hear, and/or pronounce phonemes,words, sentences, conversations, or other aspects of a target language.

The term “instructional designer,” as used herein, refers to any personwho designs and/or evaluates learning activities, and grouped sequencesof activities, that are elements of an educational system.

The term “instructional plan,” as used herein, refers to a plan,conceived by an instructional designer or a mentor to a learner,designed to accomplish one or more specific educational objectivesthrough the mutual reinforcement of individual learning activities.

The term “standalone application,” as used herein, refers to a programthat is run as an independent computer process, not an add-on to anexisting process. Standalone applications are often compiled andexecutable.

Language Phoneme Practice Engine

The systems, products, programs, and methods for practicing languagephonemes disclosed herein include a language phoneme practice engine. Insome embodiments, the engine includes a taxonomy of phonemes in a targetlanguage. In further embodiments, the engine includes a software modulethat provides an interface for learners to practice each phoneme in thetaxonomy. In further embodiments, the engine includes a software modulethat provides an interface for learners to practice each phoneme in thecontext of the beginning, middle, and end of words of the targetlanguage. In still further embodiments, the interfaces allow learners tooptionally access visual and auditory representations of each word andeach phoneme in each word.

In a particular embodiment, the taxonomy of phonemes is designed to helplearners access, navigate, and remember the phonemes of a targetlanguage. In a further embodiment, the software modules that provideinterfaces for learners to practice phonemes and phonemes in the contextof the beginning, middle, and end of words of the target language allowlearners to access visual and auditory representations to providepractice by seeing, hearing, and pronouncing elements of the targetlanguage.

In some embodiments, the language phoneme practice engines areintranet-based. In some embodiments, the language phoneme practiceengines are Internet-based. In further embodiments, the phoneme practiceengines are World Wide Web-based. In still further embodiments, thephoneme practice engines are cloud computing-based. In otherembodiments, the phoneme practice engines are based on data storagedevices including, by way of non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flashmemory devices, magnetic disk drives, and optical disk drives.

Target Language

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein include ataxonomy of phonemes of a target language and software modules forpracticing the phonemes in a target language, both alone and in thecontext of the beginning, middle, and end of words of a target language.In some embodiments, a target language is a language that a learnerdesires to learn or has been allowed, asked, or assigned to learn. Infurther embodiments, a target language is the native or first languageof a learner. In other embodiments, a target language is a second,additional, or foreign language. In various embodiments, the targetlanguage is, by way of non-limiting examples, English, Spanish, Italian,Portuguese, French, Dutch, Polish, German, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin,Wu, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Urdu, Arabic, Turkish,Tamil, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay,Telugu, Javanese, and Tagalog. Suitable target languages include thosethat are new to a learner, those with which the learner has somefamiliarity, those with which a learner has proficiency, and those inwhich a learner is fluent, but is motivated to refine their languageskills.

In some embodiments, the learning activities described herein include,by way of non-limiting examples, text, images, video, audio, motion,interactivity, and animation in the target language. In furtherembodiments, audio includes voiceover audio in the target language. Insome embodiments, text, images, video, audio, motion, interactivity, andanimation in the target language are used for content of the subjectmaterial. In some embodiments, text, images, video, audio, motion,interactivity, and animation in the target language are used for, by wayof non-limiting examples, instruction, correction, encouragement, andnavigation.

Taxonomy of Phonemes

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein include ataxonomy of phonemes of a target language and software modules forproviding interfaces for practicing each said phoneme alone and in thecontext of the beginning, middle, and end of words of said targetlanguage. In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill inthe art will recognize that a phoneme is any of the abstract units of alanguage that correspond to a set of similar speech sounds which areperceived to be a single distinctive sound in the language. Those ofskill in the art will further recognize that in transcription, phonemesare often written between slashes. Thus, a phoneme is a sound or a groupof slightly different sounds which are perceived to have the samefunction by speakers of a language. Changing a phoneme within a wordoften changes the meaning of the word to speakers of a language. In somelanguages, there is a strong match between individual letters andphonemes. In other languages, there is a weaker match between individualletters and phonemes. For example, in English the letters “c” and “k”can represent the same phoneme as in /c/ar/ and /k/ar/t/. Moreover,changing this phoneme to a different phoneme, in many cases, changes themeaning of the word, for example, /p/ar/ or /p/ar/t/. Words of alanguage are constructed of phonemes and those proficient with alanguage recognize phonemes at the beginning, middle, and end of words.For example, in English, the phoneme /m/, represented by the letter “m,”is recognized by English speakers at the beginning of /m/a/p/, in themiddle of /k/a/m/er/u/, and the end of /h/a/m/. Word families are formedby words that share one, two, or several common phonemes or by wordsthat differ by one, two, or a limited number of phonemes.

The taxonomy of phonemes of the present invention is a particularclassification or organization of phonemes of a target language. In someembodiments, the taxonomy organizes phonemes into groups. In furtherembodiments, groups of phonemes are hierarchical, for example, ataxonomy that organizes phonemes into one or more subgroups within oneor more groups. In other embodiments, groups of phonemes arenon-hierarchical. In some embodiments, a taxonomy of phonemes includesphonemes represented by a single letter and phonemes represented by oneor more combinations of letters. In a particular embodiment, in English,phonemes represented by a single letter include /m/, /k/, /a/, /t/, /u/,/i/, /p/, /d/, /s/, /o/, /e/, /g/, /f/, /n/, /b/, /w/, /e, /y/, /v/,/h/, /j/, /l/, and /z/ (see e.g., FIG. 1). In a further particularembodiment, in English, phonemes represented by a combination of lettersinclude /ar/, /ay/, /ie/, /or/, /th/, /air/, /oh/, /ee/, /oo/, /oi/,/ng/, /ear/, /ow/, /sh/, /ue/, /ch/, /er/, /aw/, and /zh/ (see e.g.,FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a taxonomy of phonemes includes phonemesrepresented by a symbol. In a particular embodiment, phonemesrepresented by a symbol include /a/ (also referred to as schwa). In someembodiments, a taxonomy of phonemes includes phonemes represented by animage. In further embodiments, the image is a photograph, illustration,video, or animation of, by way of non-limiting examples, an object,event, or situation, which is associated with the sound of the phoneme.

In some embodiments, a taxonomy of phonemes organizes phonemes intogroups for consonant phonemes and vowel phonemes. In a particularembodiment, in Spanish, consonant phonemes letter include /b/, /ch/,/d/, /f/, /g/, /h/, /k/, /l/, /m/, /n/, /ny/, /p/, /r/, /a/ (e.g.,rolling “r”), /s/, /t/, /w/, and /y/. In a further particularembodiment, in Spanish, vowel phonemes include /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/,/ai/, /au/, /ei/, /eu/, /ia/, /ie/, /io/, /iu/, /sh/, /oi/, /ou/, /ua/,/ue/, /ui/ and /uo/.

In some embodiments, the taxonomy of phonemes is comprehensive,classifying all of the phonemes known to a target language. In otherembodiments, the taxonomy of phonemes is partial, classifying a portionof the phonemes known to a target language. In various embodiments, thetaxonomy of phonemes classifies about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%,80%, 90%, 95%, or 98% of the phonemes known to a target language.

In some embodiments, learning activities are organized according to aninstructional plan based on a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language.In further embodiments, the plurality of activities includes one or moreactivities designed to accomplish one or more educational objectivesrelated to, by way of non-limiting examples, teaching sounds ofphonemes, teaching phonemes in the context of the beginning, middle, andend of words, teaching word families, teaching vocabulary in the contextof a particular environment, teaching vocabulary in the context of aparticular theme, teaching sentence structures, and teaching commonconversational patterns.

Practicing Phonemes

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein include asoftware module for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemesfor a target language. Practice a learning method based on repetition ofrehearsal or actual engagement in a behavior for the purpose ofaccomplishing one or more specific educational objectives or to maintainpreviously acquired skills. Practicing phonemes involves presenting alearner with multiple opportunities to see, hear, and/or pronounce, byway of non-limiting examples, phonemes, words, sentences, conversations,or other aspects of a target language. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the software module for practicing phonemes provides a GUI that allows alearner to optionally access a visual representation and an auditoryrepresentation of each said phoneme in said taxonomy. In furtherembodiments, a visual representation includes, by way of non-limitingexamples, a letter, a combination of letters, and one or more letters inslash notation (e.g., /a/) commonly used to describe phonemes. In stillfurther embodiments, a visual representation includes, by way ofnon-limiting examples, images, videos, animations, and illustrationsassociated with the sound of the phoneme. In still further embodiments,a visual representation includes combinations of the visualrepresentations described herein. In further embodiments, an auditoryrepresentation includes, by way of non-limiting examples, a recordedmodel pronunciation of a phoneme, a word, a sentence, or a conversation,and a computer generated pronunciation of a phoneme, a word, a sentence,or a conversation. In further embodiments, an auditory representation isincluded in video or multimedia content. In further embodiments, anauditory representation is included in media formats including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Windows Media Video (WMV), Motion PictureExperts Group (MPEG), Audio Video Interleave (AVI), QuickTime®, RealMedia®, Windows Media®, Flash®, Silverlight®, Java™, HTML 5, XHTML 5,and Unity®.

In some embodiments, the GUI for practicing phonemes further providesaccess to a software module for recording a language learner'spronunciation of phonemes and comparing them to one or more modelpronunciations. In further embodiments, a software module for recordingand comparing pronunciations allows a learner to immediately try,practice, or evaluate their ability to reproduce the sounds demonstratedby a software module for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy ofphonemes for a target language. In some embodiments, the GUI forpracticing phonemes further provides access to a software module forproviding translation of voiceover and/or text from a target language toa specified language. In further embodiments, a software module forproviding translation allows a learner to see and hear instructions,encouragement, corrections, navigational cues, and subject mattercontent provided by a software module for practicing phonemes in alanguage more familiar than the target language.

Referring to FIG. 1, in particular embodiments, a software module forpracticing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemes for a target languageincludes a button for each phoneme in the taxonomy of phonemes. FIG. 1depicts a non-limiting example of such a module with a button for eachphoneme in a taxonomy of phonemes for the English language. In furtherembodiments, each button includes a visual representation of a phonemein the form of a letter or combination of letters. In still furtherembodiments, interacting with a button activates an audio representationof the sound of the phoneme in the form of a model pronunciationvoiceover. Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, in a particular embodiment,the software module for practicing each phoneme further includes accessto a software module for practicing each phoneme in the context of thebeginning, middle, and end of words of the target language and asoftware module for recording a language learner's pronunciation ofphonemes and comparing them to one or more model pronunciations.

In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that in various embodiments a software module forpracticing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemes for a target languageis implemented in a multitude of ways. In some embodiments, the softwaremodule for practicing phonemes is a feature integrated into the GUI ofthe phoneme practice engine described herein. In further embodiments,the software module is accessible by interacting with a link or iconintegrated into the GUI of the engine. In further embodiments, thesoftware module is in a layer or level above the GUI of the engine. Insome embodiments, the software module for practicing phonemes comprisesa web browser plug-in, add-in, add-on, or extension. In furtherembodiments, a web browser, plug-in, add-in, add-on, or extension isaccessible via, by way of non-limiting examples, click, right click,menu selection, keystroke, touchscreen gesture, or voice command. Insome embodiments, the software module for practicing phonemes comprisesa standalone application, which is a program that is run as anindependent computer process, not an add-on to an existing process. Infurther embodiments, a standalone application providing recording andcomparison is compiled and executable. In some embodiments, a standaloneapplication is in communication with and adapted for use in conjunctionwith a language learning activity or a phoneme practice engine, which isimplemented separately. In some embodiments, the software module forpracticing phonemes comprises a mobile application. In furtherembodiments, a mobile application is in communication with and adaptedfor use in conjunction with a language learning activity or a phonemepractice engine, which is implemented separately.

Practicing Phonemes in the Context of Words

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein include asoftware module for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemesfor a target language in the context of the beginning, middle, and endof words of the target language. Practice is a learning method based onrepetition of rehearsal or actual engagement in a behavior for thepurpose of accomplishing one or more specific educational objectives orto maintain previously acquired skills. Practicing phonemes in thecontext of words involves presenting a learner with multipleopportunities to see, hear, and/or pronounce, by way of non-limitingexamples, phonemes, words, sentences, conversations, or other aspects ofa target language. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the software modulefor practicing phonemes in the context of words provides a GUI thatallows a learner to optionally access a visual representation and anauditory representation of each word and each phoneme in said word. Infurther embodiments, a visual representation includes, by way ofnon-limiting examples, a letter, a combination of letters, one or moreletters in slash notation (e.g., /a/), words, and words written in slashnotation (e.g., /m/a/p/) to identify each phoneme in the word. In stillfurther embodiments, a visual representation includes, by way ofnon-limiting examples, images, videos, animations, and illustrationsassociated with a word or the sound of the phonemes in a word. In stillfurther embodiments, a visual representation includes combinations ofthe visual representations described herein. In further embodiments, anauditory representation includes, by way of non-limiting examples, arecorded model pronunciation of a phoneme, a combination of phonemes, aword, a sentence, or a conversation, and a computer generatedpronunciation of a phoneme, a combination of phonemes, a word, asentence, or a conversation. In further embodiments, an auditoryrepresentation is included in video or multimedia content. In furtherembodiments, an auditory representation is included in media formatsincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, Windows Media Video (WMV),Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG), Audio Video Interleave (AVI),QuickTime®, Real Media®, Windows Media®, Flash®, Silverlight®, Java™,HTML 5, XHTML 5, and Unity®.

In some embodiments, the GUI for practicing phonemes in the context ofwords further provides access to a software module for recording alanguage learner's pronunciation of phonemes and words and comparingthem to one or more model pronunciations. In further embodiments, asoftware module for recording and comparing pronunciations allows alearner to immediately try, practice, or evaluate their ability toreproduce the sounds demonstrated by a software module for practicingphonemes in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words ofthe target language. In some embodiments, the GUI for practicingphonemes in the context of words further provides access to a softwaremodule for providing translation of voiceover and/or text from a targetlanguage to a specified language. In further embodiments, a softwaremodule for providing translation allows a learner to see and hearinstructions, encouragement, corrections, navigational cues, and subjectmatter content provided by a software module for practicing phonemes inthe context of words in a language more familiar than the targetlanguage.

Referring to FIG. 2, in particular embodiments, a software module forpracticing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemes for a target languagein the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of the targetlanguage is adapted for practice of one phoneme at any particular time.FIG. 2 depicts a non-limiting example of such a module for practicingthe English phoneme /m/. In further embodiments, the software moduleincludes a visual representation of the phoneme currently practiced(e.g., /m/) and a plurality of words that begin with that phoneme (e.g.,map, moon, and man). In still further embodiments, the words arerepresented in slash notation to indentify the phonemes that make upeach word (e.g., /m/a/p/, /m/ue/n/, and /m/a/n/). In still furtherembodiments, interacting with the individual phonemes in the wordsactivates an audio representation of the sound of the phoneme in theform of a model pronunciation voiceover. In further embodiments, thesoftware module includes an image to represent each word. In stillfurther embodiments, interacting with the image activates an audiorepresentation of the sound of the word in the form of a modelpronunciation voiceover.

Referring to FIG. 3, in particular embodiments, the software moduleincludes a visual representation of the phoneme currently practiced(e.g., /m/) and a plurality of words that include that phoneme in themiddle of the word (e.g., women and camera).

Referring to FIG. 4, in particular embodiments, the software moduleincludes a visual representation of the phoneme currently practiced(e.g., /m/) and a plurality of words that end with that phoneme (e.g.,ham, arm, and jam).

Referring FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in a particular embodiments, the softwaremodule for practicing phonemes in the context of words further includesaccess to a software module for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy ofphonemes of the target language and a software module for recording alanguage learner's pronunciation of phonemes and words and comparingthem to one or more model pronunciations. In further embodiments, thesoftware module for practicing phonemes and the software module forrecording and comparing pronunciations are in communication such thatthe model pronunciations for comparison are coordinated with thephonemes and words currently practiced.

In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that in various embodiments a software module forpracticing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemes for a target languagein the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of the targetlanguage is implemented in a multitude of ways. In some embodiments, thesoftware module for practicing phonemes in the context of words is afeature integrated into the GUI of the phoneme practice engine describedherein. In further embodiments, the software module is accessible byinteracting with a link or icon integrated into the GUI of the engine.In further embodiments, the software module is in a layer or level abovethe GUI of the engine. In some embodiments, the software module forpracticing phonemes in the context of words comprises a web browserplug-in, add-in, add-on, or extension. In further embodiments, a webbrowser, plug-in, add-in, add-on, or extension is accessible via, by wayof non-limiting examples, click, right click, menu selection, keystroke,touchscreen gesture, or voice command. In some embodiments, the softwaremodule for practicing phonemes in the context of words comprises astandalone application, which is a program that is run as an independentcomputer process, not an add-on to an existing process. In furtherembodiments, a standalone application providing recording and comparisonis compiled and executable. In some embodiments, a standaloneapplication is in communication with and adapted for use in conjunctionwith a language learning activity or a phoneme practice engine, which isimplemented separately. In some embodiments, the software module forpracticing phonemes in the context of words comprises a mobileapplication. In further embodiments, a mobile application is incommunication with and adapted for use in conjunction with a languagelearning activity or a phoneme practice engine, which is implementedseparately.

Learning Activities

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein, in someembodiments, include a plurality of learning activities. In someembodiments, one or more activities are selected from informalactivities including, by way of non-limiting examples, demonstrations,how-to-articles, how-to-videos, and simulations. In some embodiments,one or more activities are selected from preschool activities including,by way of non-limiting examples, songs, chants, books, poems, puzzles,games, art activities, and printable activities. In some embodiments,one or more activities are selected from K-12 activities including, byway of non-limiting examples, books, games, puzzles, art, music, readingassignments, articles, videos, demonstrations, simulations, quizzes,examinations, worksheets, problem sets, brainstorms, and journals. Insome embodiments, one or more activities are selected from highereducation activities including, by way of non-limiting examples, books,reading assignments, lectures, articles, videos, demonstrations,simulations, mock examinations, quizzes, examinations, essays,laboratory experiments, problem sets, brainstorms, and journals. In someembodiments, one or more activities are selected from professionalactivities including, by way of non-limiting examples, books, articles,brainstorms, collaborations, group activities, multi-player games,videos, lectures, role-plays, simulations, demonstrations, quizzes, andexams.

In some embodiments, the plurality of activities is organized accordingto an instructional plan designed to accomplish one or more educationalobjectives in a target language through the mutual reinforcement ofindividual activities. In further embodiments, an instructional planinterconnects two or more activities associated with a subject in such away that understanding is built progressively with one or moreactivities adding to the educational messages of one or more previousactivities. In some embodiments, an instructional designer constructs aninstructional plan. In other embodiments, a mentor to a learnerconstructs an instructional plan. In other embodiments, a softwaremodule constructs an instructional plan according to the requirements ofone or more published educational standards.

In some embodiments, the instructional plan is based on a taxonomy ofphonemes in a target language. In further embodiments, the instructionalplan comprises a progression of educational objectives includingteaching phoneme sounds, phoneme sounds in the context of the beginning,middle, and end of words, word families, vocabulary in the context ofenvironments or themes, sentence structures, and common conversationalpatterns. In some embodiments, the plurality of activities includesactivities designed to accomplish one or more educational objectivesrelated to teaching sounds of phonemes and teaching phonemes in thecontext of the beginning, middle, and end of words. In some embodiments,the plurality of activities includes activities designed to accomplishone or more educational objectives related to teaching one or more wordfamilies. In some embodiments, the plurality of activities includesactivities designed to accomplish one or more educational objectivesrelated to teaching vocabulary in the context of a particularenvironment or theme. In some embodiments, the plurality of activitiesincludes activities designed to accomplish one or more educationalobjectives related to teaching sentence structures and commonconversational patterns.

In various embodiments, an instructional plan addresses, by way ofnon-limiting examples, a lesson, a learning unit, and a level of study.In some embodiments, an instructional plan addresses a lesson, which isone or more learning activities that teach toward a specific educationalobjective or a specific element of a published educational standard. Insome embodiments, an instructional plan addresses a learning unit, whichis one or more lessons that teach toward a general educational objectiveor a general element of a published educational standard. In someembodiments, an instructional plan addresses a level of study, which isone or more learning units that teach toward a plurality of generaleducational objectives or an overarching element of a publishededucational standard.

In some embodiments, learning activities include visual and audiocontent, for example, text, images, video, audio, motion, interactivity,and animation. In further embodiments, interactive content allows alearner to interact with the learning activity through text, hyperlinks,graphical icons and other visual elements, manipulation of graphicalelements, auditory elements, and motion elements. In view of thedisclosure provided herein, learning activities are created bytechniques known to those of skill in the art using machines, software,and languages known to the art. Those of skill in the art will recognizethat several digital multimedia formats are suitable including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Flash®, QuickTime®, Real Media®, WindowsMedia®, Silverlight®, Java™, HTML 5, XHTML 5, Unity®, Audio VideoInterleave (AVI), and Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG).

Voiceover Audio

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein provide alanguage immersion teaching environment. Immersion is a method ofteaching a target language in which the target language is optionallyused for instruction, correction, encouragement, and/or navigation inaddition to the content of subject material. Accordingly, the systems,products, programs, and methods described herein include spoken word orvoiceover audio in a target language. In some embodiments, the systems,products, programs, and methods described herein include a softwaremodule for providing voiceover audio. In some embodiments, spoken wordor voiceover audio includes, by way of non-limiting examples, a singlerecorded voice, recorded conversations between two people, recordedconversations between more than two people, animal sounds, naturesounds, singing, music, and sound effects. In some embodiments,voiceover audio is associated with other media including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, text, images, video, motion, interactivity,animation, or combinations thereof. In further embodiments, thevoiceover audio is synchronized with video, motion, interactivity,animation, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, spoken word or voiceover audio is used to instructa learner or a mentor to a learner. In further embodiments, spoken wordor voiceover audio is used to explain how to use software modules,content features, and learning activities. In some embodiments, spokenword or voiceover audio is used to correct a learner when they submit anincorrect response to a learning activity. In further embodiments,spoken word or voiceover audio is used to alert the learner of anincorrect response and provide an example of a more correct response. Insome embodiments, spoken word or voiceover audio is used to encourage alearner. In further embodiments, spoken word or voiceover audio is usedto congratulate and praise. In some embodiments, spoken word orvoiceover audio is used to help a learner or a mentor navigate acomputer-based environment. In further embodiments, spoken word orvoiceover audio is used to indicate the function of links, buttons, andother navigational elements.

In some embodiments, spoken word or voiceover audio comprises thesubject matter of one or more learning activities. In furtherembodiments, spoken word or voiceover audio is used to model ordemonstrate the sounds of phonemes in a target language and their properpronunciation. In still further embodiments, spoken word or voiceoveraudio is used to provide practice recognizing phonemes and their soundswithin the beginning, middle, and end of words, and joining the soundsto form words as well as breaking words down into phonemes. In someembodiments, spoken word or voiceover audio is used to model ordemonstrate, by way of non-limiting examples, vocabulary, sentencestructures, and common conversational patterns in a target language.

In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that several digital audio formats are available forcomputer-based delivery of spoken word or voiceover audio. Theseinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, uncompressed audio formats,such as WAV, AIFF, AU, and PCM; formats with lossless compression, suchas FLAC, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, Shorten, TTA, ATRAC Advanced Lossless,Apple® Lossless, MPEG-4, and Windows Media® Audio Lossless; and formatswith lossy compression, such as MP3, Vorbis, Musepack, AAC, Real Audio,ATRAC, and Windows Media® Audio Lossy. Audio compression is a form ofdata compression designed to reduce the transmission bandwidthrequirement of digital audio and the storage size of audio files. Audiocompression algorithms are implemented in computer software as audiocodecs (a truncation of compressor-decompressor or coder-decoder). Insome embodiments, spoken word audio is compressed. In furtherembodiments, audio data is compressed with a lossless codec. In stillfurther embodiments, audio data is compressed with a lossless codec tovarying degrees familiar to those of skill in the art. In furtherembodiments, audio data is compressed with a lossy codec. In stillfurther embodiments, audio data is compressed with a lossy codec tovarying degrees familiar to those of skill in the art. In otherembodiments, spoken word audio is uncompressed. In some embodiments,spoken word or voiceover audio is included in video or multimediacontent. In further embodiments, audio is included in media formatsincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, Windows Media Video (WMV),Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG), Audio Video Interleave (AVI),QuickTime®, Real Media®, Windows Media®, Flash®, Silverlight®, Java™,HTML 5, XHTML 5, and Unity®.

Recording and Comparing Pronunciation

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein, in someembodiments, further comprise a software module for recording a languagelearner's pronunciation of phonemes and words of a target language andcomparing them to one or more model pronunciations. In some embodiments,the software module for recording a language learner's pronunciationaccesses a microphone associated with the digital processing device. Infurther embodiments, the microphone is integrated with the processingdevice. In other embodiments, the microphone is reversibly, but operablyconnected to the processing device. In still further embodiments, thesoftware module uses APIs of the operating system, a web browser, oranother software application to communicate with a microphone associatedwith the processing device. In some embodiments, the software module isconfigured to allow a learner to upload a previously recordedpronunciation audio or video file. In some embodiments, the softwaremodule for recording a language learner's pronunciation accesses a soundoutput device or speaker associated with the digital processing device.In further embodiments, the sound output device is integrated with theprocessing device. In other embodiments, the sound output device isreversibly, but operably connected to the processing device.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the software module includesfeatures, including GUI elements, associated with recording the voice ofa language learner. In further embodiments, the recording GUI elementsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, a combined (e.g., modal)start/stop button that activates/deactivates voice recording features,separate start and stop button that activate and deactivate voicerecording features a play button that plays recorded audio, and a volumecontrol. In still further embodiments, the recording GUI elementsinclude a visual sound or voice indicator. In still further embodiments,the visual indicator is, by way of non-limiting examples, a waveformdisplay, an audio levels display, a graphic equalizer display, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, recording a pronunciationactivates the visual sound or voice indicator and viewing the indicatorreveals a visual signature of the pronunciation of a phoneme, word,sentence, or conversation.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the software moduleincludes features, including GUI elements, associated with comparing thevoice of a language learner to a model pronunciation. In furtherembodiments, the comparing GUI elements include, by way of non-limitingexamples, combined or separate start/stop buttons for playing a modelphoneme pronunciation, a model word pronunciation, a model sentence, ora model conversation. In further embodiments, playing modelpronunciation activates a visual sound or voice indicator and viewingthe indicator reveals a visual signature of the pronunciation. In someembodiments, the features associated with recording a learner's voiceare displayed closely in proximity to the features associated withcomparing a recording to a model such that a learner easily playsrecordings of their own voice quickly followed by model pronunciationsto access the similarities and differences. In some embodiments, the GUIelements described herein are utilized by interactions including, forexample, click with a pointing device such as a mouse, trackpad, ortrackball, tap or other gesture with a touchscreen or multitouch screen,keystroke, or voice command.

In some embodiments, the software module for recording a learner'spronunciation and comparing it to one or more model pronunciations isconfigured to provide feedback to a learner or a mentor to a learnerregarding the comparison. In some embodiments, the feedback is adaptedto illustrate the similarities and differences between a learner'spronunciation and a model pronunciation. In further embodiments, thefeedback is a waveform analysis. In still further embodiments, data fromthe visual sound or voice indicator for a learner recording is comparedto that for a model pronunciation. In further embodiments, the feedbackin the form of a pronunciation score. In still further embodiments, apronunciation score is mathematically generated by the software moduleby comparing one or more digital characteristics of a learner recordingwith those of a model pronunciation.

In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that in various embodiments a software module forrecording a language learner's pronunciation of phonemes and words of atarget language and comparing them to one or more model pronunciationsis implemented in a multitude of ways. In some embodiments, the softwaremodule for recording and comparing pronunciations is a featureintegrated into the GUI of the phoneme practice engine described herein.In further embodiments, the software module is accessible by interactingwith a link or icon integrated into the GUI of the engine. In furtherembodiments, the software module is in a layer or level above the GUI ofthe engine. In some embodiments, the software module for recording andcomparing pronunciations comprises a web browser plug-in, add-in,add-on, or extension. In further embodiments, a web browser, plug-in,add-in, add-on, or extension is accessible via, by way of non-limitingexamples, click, right click, menu selection, keystroke, touchscreengesture, or voice command. In some embodiments, the software module forrecording and comparing pronunciations comprises a standaloneapplication, which is a program that is run as an independent computerprocess, not an add-on to an existing process. In further embodiments, astandalone application providing recording and comparison is compiledand executable. In some embodiments, a standalone application is incommunication with and adapted for use in conjunction with a languagelearning activity or a phoneme practice engine, which is implementedseparately. In some embodiments, the software module for recording andcomparing pronunciations comprises a mobile application. In furtherembodiments, a mobile application is in communication with and adaptedfor use in conjunction with a language learning activity or a phonemepractice engine, which is implemented separately.

Translation of Voiceover Audio or Text

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein include asoftware module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text froma target language to a specified language. In some embodiments, thesoftware module for providing translation of voiceover and/or texttranslates voiceover or text, or both voiceover and text associatedwith, by way of non-limiting examples, instruction, correction,encouragement, navigation, or language learning content. In furtherembodiments, voiceover and/or text is associated with a learningactivity, a language immersion teaching environment, or a phonemepractice engine. In some embodiments, the translation is written. Insome embodiments, the translation is voiced. In other embodiments, thetranslation is both written and voiced. In some embodiments, thesoftware module provides access to written and voiced translation of themost recently played voiceover or the most recently displayed text. Inother embodiments, the software module maintains a list of recentlyplayed voiceovers and recently displayed text and provides access towritten and voiced translation of each (see e.g., FIG. 8). In furtherembodiments, the software module provides ready access to translation ofthe most recent voiceover or text and provides, through furtherinteraction, access to translation of a list of additional recentvoiceovers and/or text (see e.g., FIG. 8). In further embodiments, alist of translations of recent voiceovers, text, or both, includestranslations of the most recent 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40,or 50 voiceovers and/or text. In still further embodiments, translationsof voiceover and text are accessed by interaction with, for example, animage, icon, text, or link, or other GUI element. In still furtherembodiments, translations of voiceover and text are accessed byinteractions including, for example, click with a pointing device suchas a mouse, trackpad, or trackball, tap or other gesture with atouchscreen or multitouch screen, keystroke, or voice command.

In some embodiments, the software module for providing translation ofvoiceover and/or text produces a written translation by selectingappropriate text data from among a collection of stored data. In variousembodiments, text data is stored in formats including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, Rich Text Format (RTF) and TXT. In furtherembodiments, text data is encoded according to Unicode or AmericanStandard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) standards. In someembodiments, the software module for providing translation of voiceoverand/or text produces a voiced translation by selecting an appropriateaudio data file from among a collection of stored data files. In variousembodiments, audio data is stored in formats including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, MP3, WAV, AIFF, AU, Apple® Lossless, MPEG-4,Windows Media®, Vorbis, AAC, and Real Audio®. In further embodiments,text and audio data files are stored in an electronic repository such asone of the several databases known to the art.

Mentor involvement is often an important factor in the success of alanguage learning activity and often a factor in the overall success ofa language practice environment. A mentor often provides encouragementand motivation in learning a language, even in cases where the mentor isnot necessarily fluent or proficient in the target language. In someembodiments, the software module for providing translation of voiceoverand/or text is adapted for use by a mentor. In further embodiments, thesoftware module is adapted to facilitate a mentor's promotion of theeducational development of a learner. In further embodiments, a mentorselects the specified language into which the software module translatesvoice and text content. In still further embodiments, a mentor selects aspecified language, for example, by use of a pre-populated menu or bytext entry, either within the module or in a separate settings orpreferences area of a language practice environment. In variousembodiments, the specified language is, by way of non-limiting examples,English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Polish, German,Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali,Marathi, Urdu, Arabic, Turkish, Tamil, Farsi, Japanese, Korean,Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay, Telugu, Javanese, and Tagalog. In someembodiments, a mentor regulates access to the software module. Infurther embodiments, a mentor turns the software module on or off. Infurther embodiments, a mentor configures in which areas, sections,views, screens, or pages of the environment the software module isavailable.

Some learners also benefit from the ability to customize their learningexperience. In some embodiments, the software module for providingtranslation of voiceover and/or text is further adapted for use by alearner. In further embodiments, the software module is adapted tofacilitate a learner's ability to customize the degree of immersion inthe environment. In further embodiments, a learner selects the specifiedlanguage into which the software module translates voice and textcontent. In still further embodiments, a learner selects a specifiedlanguage, for example, by use of a pre-populated menu or by text entry,either within the module or in a separate settings or preferences areaof a language practice environment. In some embodiments, a learnerregulates their own access to the software module. In furtherembodiments, a learner turns the software module on or off. In furtherembodiments, a learner configures in which areas, sections, views,screens, or pages of the environment the software module is available.

In some embodiments, the software module for providing translation ofvoiceover and/or text is configurable to provide customization oflearner immersion by optionally translating voiceover and/or text basedon the type, content, or purpose of the voiceover and/or text. Infurther embodiments, the software module is configurable to translateall voiceover and/or text. In still further embodiments, the softwaremodule is optionally configurable to translate voiceover and/or textassociated with content of learning activities. In still furtherembodiments, the software module is optionally configurable to translatevoiceover and/or text associated with instructions for learningactivities. In still further embodiments, the software module isoptionally configurable to translate voiceover and/or text associatedwith navigation within the environment. In still further embodiments,the software module is optionally configurable to translate voiceoverand/or text associated with correction and encouragement of a learner.In still further embodiments, the software module is optionallyconfigurable to translate no voiceover and/or text. In some embodiments,the software module is configurable to translate any combination of thetypes of voiceover and/or text described herein. In further embodimentstranslation of voiceover content is configured separately fromtranslation of text content. In further embodiments, a mentor to alanguage learner configures the types of content translated by themodule. In other embodiments, a learner configures the types of contenttranslated by the module.

In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that in various embodiments a software module forproviding translation of voiceover and/or text is implemented in amultitude of ways. In some embodiments, the software module isaccessible from every area, sections, view, screen, or page of thephoneme practice engine described herein. In other embodiments, thesoftware module is accessible from select areas, sections, views,screens, or pages of the engine. In further embodiments, the softwaremodule is accessible from areas, sections, views, screens, or pages ofthe engine including voiceover or text pertaining to, by way ofnon-limiting examples, instruction, correction, encouragement,navigation, language learning content, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the software module for providing translation ofvoiceover and/or text is a feature integrated into the GUI of thephoneme practice engine described herein. In further embodiments, thesoftware module is accessible by interacting with a link or iconintegrated into the GUI of the engine. In further embodiments, thesoftware module is in a layer or level above the GUI of the engine.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, in particular embodiments, softwaremodule for providing translation is integrated into the languageimmersion teaching environment. A written translation of the mostrecently played voiceover is displayed. In cases where the most recentlyplayed voiceover is lengthy, the written translation is potentiallytruncated. Further, a voiced translation of the most recently playedvoiceover is available by interacting with a speaker icon. Now referringto FIG. 7, in particular embodiments, full-length written and voicedtranslations of the most recently played voiceover are available byclicking on the text of the written translation. Now referring to FIG.8, in particular embodiments, the software module provides access to alist of written and voiced translations of the several most recentlyplayed voiceovers.

In some embodiments, the software module for providing translation ofvoiceover and/or text comprises a web browser plug-in, add-in, add-on,or extension. In further embodiments, a web browser, plug-in, add-in,add-on, or extension is accessible via, by way of non-limiting examples,click, right click, menu selection, keystroke, touchscreen gesture, orvoice command. In some embodiments, the software module for providingtranslation of voiceover and/or text comprises a standalone application,which is a program that is run as an independent computer process, notan add-on to an existing process. In further embodiments, a standaloneapplication providing translation is compiled and executable. In someembodiments, a standalone application is in communication with andadapted for use in conjunction with a language learning activity or aphoneme practice engine, which is implemented separately. In someembodiments, the software module for providing translation of voiceoverand/or text comprises a mobile application. In further embodiments, amobile application is in communication with and adapted for use inconjunction with a language learning activity or a phoneme practiceengine, which is implemented separately.

Digital Processing Device

The systems, products, programs, and methods described herein include adigital processing device. The digital processing device includes one ormore hardware central processing units (CPU) that carry out the device'sfunctions. The digital processing device further comprises an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. In someembodiments, the digital processing device further comprises a memorydevice, a display, an input device, and optionally a sound outputdevice. In some embodiments, the digital processing device is connectedto the Internet such that it accesses the World Wide Web. In otherembodiments, the digital processing device is connected to an intranet.In other embodiments, the digital processing device is connected to adata storage device. In some embodiments, the digital processing deviceis a non-portable device, such as a server or a desktop computer. Inother embodiments the digital processing device is a portable device,such as a laptop or tablet computer. In other embodiments the digitalprocessing device is a mobile device, such as a smartphone or digitalmusic player.

The digital processing device includes an operating system configured toperform executable instructions. The operating system is, for example,software, including programs and data, which manages the device'shardware and provides services for execution of applications. Those ofskill in the art will recognize that suitable personal computeroperating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft®Windows®, Apple Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems suchas GNU/Linux®. In some embodiments, the operating system is provided bycloud computing. Those of skill in the art will also recognize thatsuitable mobile smart phone operating systems include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, Nokia® Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research InMotion® BlackBerry OS®, Google® Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS,Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS, Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a memorydevice. The memory is one or more physical apparatus used to store dataor programs on a temporary or permanent basis. In some embodiments, thememory is volatile and requires power to maintain stored information. Insome embodiments, the memory is non-volatile and retains storedinformation when the digital processing device is not powered.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a visualdisplay. In some embodiments, the display is a cathode ray tube (CRT).In some embodiments, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). Infurther embodiments, the display is a thin film transistor liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, the display is a plasmadisplay. In other embodiments, the display is a video projector. Instill further embodiments, the display is a combination of devices suchas those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an inputdevice. In some embodiments, the input device is a keyboard or keypad.In some embodiments, the input device is a pointing device including, byway of non-limiting examples, a mouse, trackball, track pad, joystick,game controller, or stylus. In some embodiments, the input device is atouch screen or a multi-touch screen. In other embodiments, the inputdevice is a microphone to capture voice or other sound input. In otherembodiments, the input device is a video camera to capture motion orvisual input. In still further embodiments, the input device is acombination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device optionally includes asound output device. In some embodiments, the sound output device is apair of headphones, earphones, or ear buds. In some embodiments, thesound output device is an electro-acoustic transducer or loudspeaker. Infurther embodiments, the sound output device is a flat panelloudspeaker, a ribbon magnetic loudspeaker, or a bending waveloudspeaker. In other embodiments, the sound output device is apiezoelectric speaker. In still further embodiments, the sound outputdevice is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In accordance with the description provided herein, suitable digitalprocessing devices include, by way of non-limiting examples, servercomputers, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers,tablet computers, netbook computers, smartbook computers, subnotebookcomputers, ultra-mobile PCs, handheld computers, personal digitalassistants, Internet appliances, smartphones, music players, andportable video game systems. Those of skill in the art will recognizethat many mobile smartphones are suitable for use in the systemdescribed herein. Suitable tablet computers include those with booklet,slate, and convertible configurations, known to those of skill in theart. Suitable portable video game systems include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, Nintendo DS™ and Sony PSP™.

Computer Network

The systems, products, programs, and methods disclosed herein include adigital processing device that is optionally connected to a computernetwork. A computer network is a collection of computers and/or devicesinterconnected by communications channels that facilitate communicationsamong users and allow users to share resources. In view of thedisclosure provided herein, the computer network is created bytechniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware, firmware,and software known to the art. In some embodiments, the computer networkis a private network such as an intranet. In some embodiments, thecomputer network is the Internet. In further embodiments, the Internetprovides access to the World Wide Web and the computer program and/ormobile application is provided to the digital processing device via theWeb. In still further embodiments, the Internet provides access to theWorld Wide Web and the computer program and/or mobile application isprovided to the digital processing device via cloud computing. In otherembodiments, the computer network comprises data storage devicesincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memorydevices, solid state memory, magnetic disk drives, magnetic tape drives,optical disk drives, cloud computing systems and services, and the like.In further embodiments, the computer program and/or mobile applicationis provided to the digital processing device via a data storage device.

Computer Readable Medium

In some embodiments, the systems, products, programs, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more computer readable media encodedwith a program including instructions executable by the operating systemof an optionally networked digital processing device, wherein saidinstructions create a social shopping networking service. In furtherembodiments, a computer readable medium is a tangible component of adigital processing device. In still further embodiments, a computerreadable medium is optionally removable from a digital processingdevice. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium includes, by wayof non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solidstate memory, magnetic disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical diskdrives, cloud computing systems and services, and the like.

Computer Program

The systems, products, programs, and methods disclosed herein include atleast one computer program. The computer program includes a sequence ofinstructions, executable in the digital processing device's CPU, writtento perform a specified task. Those of skill in the art will recognizethat the computer program may be written in various versions of variouslanguages. In some embodiments, the computer program comprises onesequence of instructions. In some embodiments, the computer programcomprises a plurality of sequences of instructions. In some embodiments,the computer program is delivered from one location. In otherembodiments, the computer program is delivered from a plurality oflocations. In some embodiments, the computer program is delivered from acloud computing service. In various embodiments, the computer programcomprises, in part or in whole, one or more web applications, one ormore mobile applications, one or more standalone applications, one ormore web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, or add-ons, orcombinations thereof.

Web Application

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a web applicationwritten in one or more markup languages, style languages, client-sidescripting languages, server-side coding languages, or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the computer program is written to someextent in a markup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML),Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible MarkupLanguage (XML). In some embodiments, the computer program is written tosome extent in a style language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Insome embodiments, the computer program is written to some extent in aclient-side scripting language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML(AJAX), Actionscript, Javascript, or Silverlight®. In some embodiments,the computer program is written to some extent in a server-side codinglanguage such as Active Server Pages (ASP), ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™,Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Python™, and Ruby. In some embodiments,the computer program utilizes a web framework such as Ruby on Rails(RoR) or .NET. In some embodiments, the computer program is written tosome extent in a query language such as Structured Query Language (SQL).In some embodiments, the computer program utilizes a database systemsuch as Microsoft SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®.

In some embodiments, the language phoneme practice engine is implementedas a web application. In further embodiments, the software module forproviding an interface for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy ofphonemes is part of a web application. In further embodiments, thesoftware module for providing an interface for practicing each phonemein the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words is part of aweb application.

Mobile Application

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a mobile applicationprovided to a mobile digital processing device. In some embodiments, themobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device atthe time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobileapplication is provided to a mobile digital processing device via thecomputer network described herein.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, the mobile application iscreated by techniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware,languages, and development environments known to the art. Those of skillin the art will recognize that mobile applications are written inseveral languages. Suitable programming languages include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java™, Javascript,Pascal, Object Pascal, Python™, Ruby, VB.NET, WML, and XHTML/HTML withor without CSS, or combinations thereof.

Those of skill in the art will also recognize that mobile applicationdevelopment environments are available from several sources.Commercially available development environments include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, AirplaySDK, alcheMo, Appcelerator®, Celsius,Bedrock, Flash Lite, .NET Compact Framework, Rhomobile, and WorkLightMobile Platform. Other development environments are available withoutcost including, by way of non-limiting examples, Lazarus, MobiFlex,MoSync, and Phonegap. Also, mobile device manufacturers distributesoftware developer kits including, by way of non-limiting examples,iPhone® and iPad® (iOS) SDK, Android™ SDK, BlackBerry® SDK, BREW SDK,Palm® OS SDK, Symbian SDK, webOS SDK, and Windows® Mobile SDK.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forumsare available for distribution of mobile applications including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Android™ Market, BlackBerry®App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalog for webOS, Windows®Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia® devices, Samsung® Apps, andNintendo® DSi Shop.

In some embodiments, the language phoneme practice engine is implementedas a mobile application. In some embodiments, the software module forproviding an interface for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy ofphonemes is implemented as a mobile application. In some embodiments,the software module for providing an interface for practicing eachphoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words isimplemented as a mobile application.

Standalone Application

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a standaloneapplication, which is a program that is run as an independent computerprocess, not an add-on to an existing process, e.g. not a plug-in. Thoseof skill in the art will recognize that standalone applications areoften compiled. A compiler is a computer program(s) that transformssource code written in a programming language into binary object codesuch assembly language or machine code. Suitable compiled programminglanguages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C,COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java™, Lisp, Visual Basic, and VB .NET, orcombinations thereof. Compilation is often performed, at least in part,to create an executable program. In some embodiments, the computerprogram includes one or more executable complied applications.

In some embodiments, the language phoneme practice engine is implementedas a standalone application. In some embodiments, the software modulefor providing an interface for practicing each phoneme in a taxonomy ofphonemes is implemented as a standalone application. In someembodiments, the software module for providing an interface forpracticing each phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and endof words is implemented as a standalone application.

Web Browser Plug-In

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a web browserplug-in. In computing, a plug-in is one or more software components thatadd specific functionality to a larger software application. Makers ofsoftware applications support plug-ins to enable third-party developersto create abilities which extend an application, to support easilyadding new features, and to reduce the size of an application. Whensupported, plug-ins enable customizing the functionality of a softwareapplication. For example, plug-ins are commonly used in web browsers toplay video, generate interactivity, scan for viruses, and displayparticular file types. Those of skill in the art will be familiar withseveral web browser plug-ins including, Adobe® Flash° Player, Microsoft®Silverlight®, and Apple® QuickTime®. In some embodiments, the toolbarcomprises one or more web browser extensions, add-ins, or add-ons. Insome embodiments, the toolbar comprises one or more explorer bars, toolbands, or desk bands.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that several plug-in frameworks are available that enabledevelopment of plug-ins in various programming languages, including, byway of non-limiting examples, C++, Delphi, Java™, PHP, Python™, and VB.NET, or combinations thereof.

Web browsers (also called Internet browsers) are software applications,designed for use with network-connected digital processing devices, forretrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on theWorld Wide Web. Suitable web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Microsoft Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google®Chrome, Apple® Safari®, Opera Software® Opera®, and KDE Konqueror. Insome embodiments, the web browser is a mobile web browser. Mobile webbrowsers (also called mircrobrowsers, mini-browsers, and wirelessbrowsers) are designed for use on mobile digital processing devicesincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, handheld computers, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, subnotebook computers, smartphones, musicplayers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video gamesystems. Suitable mobile web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Google® Android® browser, RIM BlackBerry® Browser, Apple®Safari®, Palm® Blazer, Palm® WebOS® Browser, Mozilla® Firefox® formobile, Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Mobile, Amazon® Kindle® Basic Web,Nokia® Browser, Opera Software® Opera® Mobile, and Sony PSP™ browser.

In some embodiments, the software module for providing an interface forpracticing each phoneme in a taxonomy of phonemes is implemented as aweb browser extension, plug-in, add-in, or add-on. In some embodiments,the software module for providing an interface for practicing eachphoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words isimplemented as a web browser extension, plug-in, add-in, or add-on.

Software Modules

The systems, products, programs, and methods disclosed herein include,in various embodiments, software, server, and database modules. In viewof the disclosure provided herein, the software modules are created bytechniques known to those of skill in the art using machines, software,and languages known to the art. In some embodiments, the softwaremodules are in one computer program or application. In otherembodiments, the software modules are in more than one computer programor application. In some embodiments, the software modules are hosted onone machine. In other embodiments, the software modules are hosted onmore than one machine. In some embodiments, the software modules arehosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments,the software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than onelocation.

EXAMPLES

The following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments ofthe systems, products, programs, and methods described herein and arenot meant to be limiting in any way.

Example 1

An 18-year-old college freshman majoring in art at a State University inCalifornia is contemplating studying abroad in Beijing for a semester inher junior year. Accordingly, she decides to learn some MandarinChinese. After doing some research on the Internet, she chooses to learnwith a web application that offers a language phoneme practice enginethat she feels will help her start learning the sounds of Mandarinquickly and without frustration. The student accesses the webapplication on her iPad tablet computer that uses a third generationmobile telecommunications protocol to wirelessly connect to the WorldWide Web. The student uses the web browser on her tablet to access thephoneme practice engine.

The phoneme practice engine is based on a taxonomy of phonemesidentifying and classifying the most common sounds of Mandarin. Eachphoneme in the taxonomy is represented by an image. Each image has anassociation with a word that the student is familiar with and each wordprominently includes the sound of a phoneme. The student finds itrewarding to quickly learn the sounds of Mandarin by using the familiarimages and words as mnemonic devices.

The phoneme practice engine provides an interface for practicing eachphoneme in the Mandarin taxonomy. The interface includes an interactivebutton for each phoneme that is labeled with the representative image.Tapping a button on the touchscreen of her iPad triggers an audiovoiceover of a model pronunciation of the phoneme spoken by a nativeMandarin speaker. The student listens to the many phonemes over and overto gain familiarity. Once she has a basic familiarity with the sounds ofher target language, the student explores interfaces that the phonemepractice engine offers for practicing each phoneme in the context of thebeginning, middle, and end of Chinese words. For each particular phonemethe student is presented with many words that contain the phoneme. Atfirst she studies words that start with a particular phoneme. Each wordis depicted broken down into its component phonemes, which areinteractive. When the student taps a phoneme within a word, a voiceovermodels the sound. Also, each word is associated with an image, which isalso interactive. When the student taps an image, a voiceover models thecorrect pronunciation of the word. She goes on to study words that havea particular phoneme in their middle, and finally, she studies wordsthat end with a particular phoneme.

Example 2

Referring to the student in Example 1, after several days of reading andlistening, she decides to try pronouncing some Mandarin words herself.She finds it simple to use a software module that is integrated intoeach interface provided by the phoneme practice engine to record hervoice and compare it to model pronunciations of each phoneme and eachword presented. The student makes rapid progress by recording her voice,listening to her pronunciations, and immediately comparing herpronunciations to that of a native Mandarin speaker. After each auditorycomparison, the software produces two waveforms for visual comparison.One waveform represents the sound patterns of the model pronunciation;the other represents the sound patterns of her practice pronunciations.The student experiments with different tone, pacing, and accent to tryto get the waveforms to match closely.

Example 3

Referring to the student in Example 2, after several more days ofpractice, she decides to try some of the other language learningactivities offered by the web application. The application offers games,puzzles, and interactive books designed to teach her target language.She finds the activities interesting, but finds it difficult tounderstand the instructions for each activity, which are delivered inMandarin. She decides to utilize a software module offered by the webapplication for translation of the content of learning activities fromMandarin to a language that she selects. She opens a settings panel forthe translation module and configures it to provide text-basedtranslations of all audio voiceover with the web application that isassociated with instructions or navigation. She selects English as thetranslation language. Each time the phoneme practice engine or any otherlearning activity presents instructions or navigational cues, thesoftware module for translation provides the student with an Englishtext translation of the most recent voiceover. When the student uses thetouchscreen of her tablet to tap on the text translation, she accesses alist of the 10 most recent voiceovers that provided instructions ornavigational cues. She finds the language learning activities even moreenjoyable with this extra help.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-based language phoneme practice systemcomprising: (a) a digital processing device that is optionally connectedto a computer network, wherein said processing device comprises anoperating system configured to perform executable instructions; and (b)a computer program, provided to said digital processing device,including executable instructions that create a language phonemepractice engine, wherein said engine comprises: i. a taxonomy ofphonemes of a target language; ii. a software module for providing aninterface for practicing each said phoneme in said taxonomy, whereinsaid interface allows a learner to optionally access a visualrepresentation and an auditory representation of each said phoneme insaid taxonomy; and iii. a software module for providing an interface forpracticing each said phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle,and end of words of said target language, wherein said interface allowsa learner to optionally access a visual and an auditory representationof each said word and each said phoneme in each said word.
 2. Thephoneme practice system of claim 1, wherein said taxonomy of phonemesincludes phonemes represented by a single letter and phonemesrepresented by one or more combinations of letters.
 3. The phonemepractice system of claim 1, wherein said taxonomy of phonemes includesphonemes represented by an image.
 4. The phoneme practice system ofclaim 1, wherein said taxonomy is comprehensive and comprises all soundsin said target language.
 5. The phoneme practice system of claim 1,wherein said module for providing an interface for practicing each saidphoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of wordsidentifies a selected phoneme in each word.
 6. The phoneme practicesystem of claim 1, wherein said visual representation of each said wordcomprises a photographic image or an illustration.
 7. The phonemepractice system of claim 1, further comprising a software module forrecording said learner's pronunciation of said phonemes and said wordsand comparing it to one or more model pronunciations of said phonemesand said words.
 8. The phoneme practice system of claim 7, wherein saidsoftware module for recording said learner's pronunciation and comparingit to one or more model pronunciations is configured to provide visualfeedback in the form of waveform analysis or a pronunciation score. 9.The phoneme practice system of claim 1, further comprising a softwaremodule for providing translation of audio voiceover, text, or voiceoverand text from said target language to a specified language, wherein saidtranslation is both written and voiced.
 10. The phoneme practice systemof claim 9, wherein said software module for providing translation isconfigurable to optionally translate voiceover, text, or voiceover andtext associated with one or more of: all content, learning content,instructions, navigation, and no content.
 11. The phoneme practicesystem of claim 9, wherein said software module for providingtranslation of voiceover, text, or voiceover and text maintains a listof recent voiceover, text, or voiceover and text, wherein said listprovides access to both written and voiced translation of each saidrecent voiceover and/or text.
 12. The phoneme practice system of claim9, wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover,text, or voiceover and text is regulated by a mentor, wherein saidmentor determines the types of voiceover, text, or voiceover and texttranslated.
 13. The phoneme practice system of claim 9, wherein saidsoftware module for providing translation of voiceover, text, orvoiceover and text is regulated by a learner, wherein said learnerdetermines the types of voiceover, text, or voiceover and texttranslated.
 14. The phoneme practice system of claim 1, wherein saidphoneme practice system is a component of a larger language immersionteaching system.
 15. The phoneme practice system of claim 14, whereinsaid language immersion teaching system comprises a plurality oflearning activities organized according to an instructional plan,wherein said instructional plan comprises a progression of educationalobjectives including teaching phoneme sounds, phoneme sounds in thecontext of the beginning, middle, and end of words, word families,vocabulary in the context of environments or themes, sentencestructures, and common conversational patterns.
 16. The phoneme practicesystem of claim 1, wherein said target language is one or more of:English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Polish, German,Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali,Marathi, Urdu, Arabic, Turkish, Tamil, Farsi, Japanese, Korean,Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay, Telugu, Javanese, and Tagalog.
 17. Thephoneme practice system of claim 16, wherein said target language isEnglish.
 18. Computer readable media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by the operating system of a digitalprocessing device, wherein said instructions create a language phonemepractice engine, wherein said engine comprises: i. a taxonomy ofphonemes of a target language; ii. a software module for providing aninterface for practicing each said phoneme in said taxonomy, whereinsaid interface allows a learner to optionally access a visualrepresentation and an auditory representation of each said phoneme insaid taxonomy; and iii. a software module for providing an interface forpracticing each said phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle,and end of words of said target language, wherein said interface allowsa learner to optionally access a visual and an auditory representationof each said word and each said phoneme in each said word.
 19. Acomputer-implemented language phoneme practice method comprising thestep of: (a) providing executable instructions to a digital processingdevice comprising an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions, to create a language phoneme practice engine, wherein saidengine comprises: i. a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; ii. asoftware module for providing an interface for practicing each saidphoneme in said taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner tooptionally access a visual representation and an auditory representationof each said phoneme in said taxonomy; and iii. a software module forproviding an interface for practicing each said phoneme in the contextof the beginning, middle, and end of words of said target language,wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visualand an auditory representation of each said word and each said phonemein each said word.